Skepticism, optimism over Operation Ceasefire

Some say the city's latest effort for safer streets may not be the most effective solution.
Andrew Capasso, First Coast News

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- Operation Ceasefire has been in effect on the northwest side for several weeks. While some say the streets are already safer, other disagree.

Sheriff John Rutherford announced the initiative last week. It includes more patrol in what deputies call "Zone 5", on the northwest side, and deputies knocking on over 18,000 doors, talking to the community. The goal is safer streets in that part of the city.

Bruce Smothers has lived in that area for more than 40 years.

"You got to start somewhere," he said.

Smothers says as Operation Ceasefire continues, more people will learn about the initiative and help deputies make the area safer.

"Although there's a little progress, the more you do it the bigger it's going to get," he said.

Others disagree. Gail Cain has also lived in the area for decades. She said the gun buybacks and other initiatives had little result. She's concerned Operation Ceasefire will fall in that category too.

"You do this for a month, that it's all over with, that will never work," she said.

Cain wants Operation Ceasefire to be a long term project. She also wants the Sheriff's office to communicate with people in that part of the city regularly.

"I think the Sheriff's Office should keep us informed on a weekly basis," she said.

JSO didn't reveal how many officers are being dedicated to the initiative.